Tuesday, August 26, 2014

It’s been a slow process of getting back into routine.
Jennifer and the boys have been back to school for two weeks now. With the
increase in driving the boys back and forth across town I managed to be in two
car accidents last week. No one is hurt but they are reminders that the number
one reason for missionary mortality is motor vehicle accidents.

On a brighter note the clean-up at the house is progressing
and may well be finished this week. Jennifer was encouraged to see that some of the brick and debris was being put to good use in the neighbourhood potholes. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom as
we discuss the plans for rebuilding with the architect and that things will come
together in a timely manner.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

We all know people who are quick to offer us the world but
let us down regularly in the day to day of life. I think it is important to
have people around that can help expand your vision and catch a glimpse of the
possibilities that are out there, but what I appreciate the most is the friend
that is faithful to take care of the little things when you need them the most.
We were blessed to have visitors that were those kind of people this month. It
is always a tremendous blessing to have visitors from home that help to
reconnect you to home and provide a new perspective on life (and bringing
treats is a real bonus)! I want to thank the Redcliffes for all their
encouragement: not just their words and gifts but also their acts of kindness
at a time when I really needed them. I really appreciat

ed their willingness to
do the little jobs that get pushed aside when life gets busy, but can add
pressure if they aren’t done when they are needed. Thanks for being willing to
cook supper when I was in a meeting all day, for fixing chairs and door locks and
outlets and more chairs and helping to place buckets in key locations during
the rain. Thanks for being willing to
look at and brainstorm on the jobs that you couldn’t do too, even that is a
tremendous help (saving us time trying a bunch of things that won’t work can be
valuable too). Thanks for being willing and being faithful to come and be with
us for awhile. It is great to have friends that understand us a little better
having lived with us even for a little while.

The layers of what is left!

I guess what I am saying is so many times in life we get
caught up in the “mountain moving” big events and think that that is what we
need to be a part of or accomplish, when a “cup of water in Jesus name” can be
just what is needed in the moment.

A bit overwhelming

Since I mentioned moving mountains, I should add that they
have started the clean up on the building site. It is my prayer that somehow
God could use even this to be a blessing to our community. Please pray with me that
the broken bricks and cement could be useful in filling rainy season potholes
and pits and that the truck moving it would not dig up the road any worse than
it already is. Pray that we would have an opportunity to meet with the chief duquartier about this soon.May you find yourself faithful in the little jobs God is
providing for you this week!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

"It is who you are and the way you live that count before
God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the
kind of people the Father is out looking for those who are simply and honestly
themselves before Him in their worship.” John 4:23-24,
The Message

Jenn & Dave’s lives as Christ worshippers are seen in
their interactions with anyone they meet. Although sometimes western dress is
seen, they are careful to wear African clothes, greet people properly—even when
in a hurry, and show utmost respect for the culture and country where they
work.

During our visit we experienced a heavy rainfall. With no
sewage or drainage systems in the area, flooding soon caused havoc on the
roads. We saw an 18 wheeler coming with water above its tires. When Jenn’s turn
came to navigate the water, she prayed for guidance & protection and
started through. The water was up to the headlights on their 4x4. On the other
side of the water we were able to get much needed gas, watch guys pushing
vehicles out of the water and praise God for safety. Jenn shared her praise
with the attendant at the gas station who laughed and agreed. Their lifestyle
shows their worship.

We had the privilege of attending the 6th anniversary
of the first Free Methodist Church in Niger. Although it was hot and humid, the
Wright’s dressed according to African custom. Jenn wore a head covering in
spite of the heat. The service was in French with lively singing and everyone
participating. Together we shared communion. During visiting time after the
service Dave & Jenn were very careful to follow African protocol and show
their love for this church family. Once again, their lifestyle shows their
worship.

One day while running errands, the car started to jerk and
lose power and stall. In Niamey traffic this is not good. As episodes became more frequent, Jennifer decided to go to the mechanics. Since
the car needed major work, she called Dave to come and get us. After completing
more errands we headed home to put away the solar cooker. Just then the wind
came up and clouds rolled in. There was just enough time to put away the solar
cooker and close windows before the rain started. Rain came fast and hard as
did the leaks. Basins & pails were used to catch the water. During dinner
Dave felt drops on his head. He quietly got a bowl and held it to catch drops
while conversations continued. At these trying times they praised God for the
many positive things happening. They show their worship in difficulties. What a
privilege to be here and experience a little of life in Niamey with the Wright
family.

Praise God for:

-safe travel from
Germany and visitors from Canada.

-Protection and
safety when the car broke down and the roads washed out.

Pray for:

-Ben, Cole Dave & Jenn as a new school year, with new
challenges begins next week.

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About Me

Dave and Jenn are presently somewhere in the northern part of the city of Niamey working on learning Zarma (a local language) and trying to establish the "Eglise Methodist Libre du Canada" in Niger. Cole and Ben are their two sons that get to come along for the adventure too!